Saul answered Samuel, “I have sinned. I have transgressed the Lord’s command and your words. Because I was afraid of the people, I obeyed them.
1 Samuel 15:24, CSB
Here we have Saul’s confession to Samuel that he had been unfaithful to God because he wanted to please people. He wanted to make those around him happy. And he did. But what did it cost him? The anointing of God, his peace of mind & mental health, his legacy, and his throne.
It can feel good to get attaboys and pats on the back, but God warns us that those who seek the approval of others have received their reward in full already. God can see your heart. God does not reward deeds, He rewards motivations.
Lord, Lord, did I not do mighty works in your name?
Go away, I never knew you.
The works are evidence of a life submitted to God. Works without submission is just philanthropy. It still accomplishes good here on earth, but it is of no eternal credit to you. Submission is hard, but it’s worth it.